Emergency Procedures:
Bomb Threat

If you receive a telephone threat:

• Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest. Try to keep the caller talking so that you can gather as much of the following information as possible:

When will the bomb explode?
Where is it (which floor, area, etc.)?
What does it look like?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause it to explode?
When was it planted?
Did the caller plant the bomb?
Why?
What is the caller's name?

• If possible while on the phone, write a note to a colleague to call Public Safety (Branches, 911) or Library Security (Firestone, 8-3221), or phone as soon as the caller hangs up. Do not call the police yourself. Security will notify law enforcement and public service agencies as appropriate.
• Be guided by Security. If evacuation is ordered, follow the correct procedures.
• Notify Dottie Pearson (8-3215) as soon as possible.
• Promptly write a report that includes as many details as you can remember, such as:

The exact words of the caller.
The caller's gender.
Any distinctive vocal characteristics.
Any background noises.

 

If you receive a bomb threat by card or letter:

• Allow no one to handle it. Write down everything you remember about its receipt.
• Notify Library Security (Firestone, 8-3221) or Public Safety (Branches, 911).
• Do not call the police yourself. Security will notify law enforcement and public service agencies as appropriate.
• Do not discuss the threat with other staff; speak only to Security.
• Be guided by Security. If evacuation is ordered, follow the correct procedures.
• Notify Dottie Pearson (8-3215) as soon as possible.